Ruth Thomas, pastor of Real Life Christian Ministries, shares the story behind her life's transformation in her first book, "I Have Prayed Since Then: Living Without Guilt Through Prayer."East Brainerd resident Ruth Thomas spent many years living with guilt, until a church service she attended brought her to the realization that her past did not have to be the foundation of her life; the word of God could be her foundation.
"It's been the most freeing experience I've ever had," said Thomas, who writes about her life's transformation in her recently released book, "I Have Prayed Since Then: Living Without Guilt Through Prayer."
Born as a result of adultery, Thomas said she endured emotional and sexual abuse by her mother and aunt throughout her childhood.
"I grew up feeling unworthy and inadequate," she said. "It was a struggle for most of my life."
A low sense of self-worth led her to seek the approval and acceptance of others for many years, and becoming a mother after growing up without a good role model, she said she made many mistakes with her own children that led her to feel even more guilty and inadequate.
"I felt I had to prove what my mother said was wrong," said Thomas. "I've learned you can't prove anything to anyone. I had to learn to see myself as God saw me. He didn't make me inadequate."
Now, when she says something wrong or makes a mistake, Thomas doesn't blame herself. She's learned through prayer and studying the Bible that her life has a purpose, she said.
Thomas established East Brainerd-based Real Life Christian Ministries 23 years ago, and continues to serve as the church's pastor. Through that role as well as through her book, Thomas said she teaches people how to take the Bible and apply it to their lives.
Her book focuses on freeing one's self from guilt and prevailing in the face of adversity. Along with her personal story, Thomas also shares the testimonies of others who have taken responsibility for their lives through prayer and Bible study.
"I wanted to write [the book] so other people who've experienced low self-esteem know they don't have to spend the rest of the their lives feeling guilty," she said. "They really and truly can be free from their past and live a life of victory."
For more information or to purchase the book, visit amazon.com.
Email Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com